Homemade Japanese Onigiri: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of sushi rice
2 1/2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
1 can of tuna, drained
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 sheet of nori seaweed, cut into strips
Japanese pickled plums (optional)

Steps and instructions

Wash the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Combine the rice and water in a saucepan, and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Bring the rice to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes, keeping the lid on.
While the rice is cooling, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and soy sauce in a bowl. This will be the filling for the onigiri.
When the rice is cool enough to handle, wet your hands and sprinkle them with salt. Take a handful of rice and flatten it into a disc.
Place a spoonful of the tuna mixture in the center of the disc.
Mold the rice around the filling, forming a triangle shape with your hands. Apply pressure to secure the shape but do not squeeze too hard.
Wrap the onigiri with a strip of nori seaweed.
Repeat this process until all the rice is used. Optional: place a pickled plum in the center of some of the rice balls for variety.
Serve the onigiri immediately, or wrap them in plastic wrap for a portable snack.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Used to cook the sushi rice.
Bowl - For mixing the tuna filling.
Spoon - To mix the tuna, mayonnaise, and soy sauce.
Cutting board - For cutting the nori seaweed into strips.
Knife - To cut the nori seaweed and any optional pickled plums.
Plastic wrap - For wrapping the onigiri if desired.

Recipe variations

Replace the tuna filling with cooked chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
Add diced vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or avocado to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings for the rice, such as furikake (Japanese seasoning mix), sesame seeds, or chili flakes.
Instead of using nori seaweed, try wrapping the onigiri with thinly sliced prosciutto or bacon for a different flavor profile.
Create a vegan version by using marinated tofu or tempeh as the filling.
Make a sweet onigiri variation by using sweetened rice and filling it with fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes.
Add a dollop of wasabi or spicy mayo to the filling for a kick of heat.
Try different shapes for the onigiri, such as round or cylindrical instead of triangular.
Grill or pan-fry the onigiri after shaping for a crispy outer layer.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all the ingredients are gluten-free.

Recipe overview

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, is a classic convenience food in Japan with a variety of tasty fillings. These delectable treats are perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a midnight snack! In this recipe, we'll guide you on how to make your own onigiri at home with a delightful filling of tuna mixed with mayonnaise and soy sauce. Feel free to experiment with different fillings like pickled plum or salmon, as well. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll soon be enjoying these tasty morsels. Let's get started!

Common questions

How do I cook sushi rice?
Wash the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a saucepan, and let it soak for 30 minutes. Bring the rice to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes, keeping the lid on.
How do I shape the onigiri?
When the rice is cool enough to handle, wet your hands and sprinkle them with salt. Take a handful of rice and flatten it into a disc. Place a spoonful of the tuna mixture in the center of the disc. Mold the rice around the filling, forming a triangle shape with your hands. Apply pressure to secure the shape but do not squeeze too hard.
Can I use other fillings besides tuna?
Absolutely! Onigiri can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled salmon, pickled vegetables, or even cooked chicken.
How long can I store the onigiri?
Onigiri is best when consumed within a few hours of being made. However, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Can I freeze the onigiri?
Yes, you can freeze the onigiri for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - Used for cooking the sushi rice.
Bowl - Used for mixing the tuna filling.
Plastic wrap - Used for wrapping the onigiri for storage or transport.
Cutting board - Used for cutting the nori seaweed into strips.
Knife - Used for cutting the nori seaweed and optionally, the pickled plums.
Spoon - Used for scooping the tuna filling onto the rice.
Measuring cups - Used for measuring the rice, water, salt, and rice vinegar.
Spatula - Used for stirring the rice and transferring it to a bowl for cooling.
Tongs - Optional, for handling the nori seaweed strips more easily.

Origin stories

Onigiri, also known as rice balls, is a quintessential Japanese comfort food. This humble yet versatile dish has been a staple in Japanese households for centuries. It's believed that onigiri dates back to the Heian period (794 to 1185), where it was used as a quick meal. What makes it particularly fascinating is how its shape has evolved over the years. Originally, onigiri was shaped into a cylinder form, which was easy to hold and eat while working in the fields. It was only during the Edo period (1603 to 1868) that the now-familiar triangular shape became popular, influenced by the urban culture of the time. Even today, each region in Japan has its own distinctive style and variety of onigiri. In essence, onigiri is a reflection of Japan's rich history and regional diversities, all wrapped up in a simple rice ball.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.